Blues forward stocks have taken a huge boost, with the acquisition of two-test All Black Dillon Hunt for the 2021 Super Rugby season.
Hunt joins the Blues after four years and 45 games for the Highlanders.
With the addition of Hunt, competition for loose forward spots at the Blues will be more intense, with Tom Robinson Akria Ioane, Blake Gibson, Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu all on contract for next season.
The contracts of Robinson, Ioane and Gibson expire at the end of 2021, with Papalii and Sotutu locked down through 2022.
The duration of Hunt's deal remains unclear, but the 23-year-old has cited family reasons for his move back to Auckland.
"For me, it is about coming home to play my rugby," says Hunt. "My partner and family are both in Auckland, which was a big motivator for me.
"I grew up watching the Blues and I have always been a big fan, so this is an exciting opportunity for me."
Hunt topped the tackle count for Super Rugby Aotearoa and will play for the South Island team in the upcoming North v South clash, before captaining North Harbour in this year's Mitre 10 Cup.
"Dillon is a quality performer with a high workrate and it's good to have him back home," says Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
"Loose forwards operate in a high-impact area of the game, so we need quality depth. As captain of North Harbour, he will also bring his leadership qualities to the group."
Next year's Super Rugby format is unconfirmed, due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Join us on September 5 for live updates of the North v South clash
